Is it possible for a team fresh off a World Series championship to have "glaring concerns" heading into its title defense?

If you're a fan of the Yankees, apparently it is.

I understand that lots of Yankees fans wanted to keep the team intact; I was one of them as well. I get that up until now our unspoken M.O. was "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." But considering the moves that Brian Cashman has made -- turning Melky Cabrera/Phil Coke/Ian Kennedy/Austin Jackson into Curtis Granderson/Javy Vazquez, while also bringing back Nick Johnson -- it's difficult to be upset that the team is a little bit better heading into the 2010 season.

Of course, it's never that easy in the Yankee Universe. Many fans are still worried about the make-up of team. With that in mind, let's take a look at these "concerns":

LEFT FIELD
Fans' reason for concern: Basically, Brett Gardner isn't Johnny Damon. Apparently having a slightly below-average bat hitting 9th in an otherwise-loaded lineup is a detriment.

Smoov's response: Who gives a s*** cares if he doesn't have Damon's bat? Gardner adds the element of blazing speed and is a far superior defender. They didn't keep him over Melky for no reason, people.

FIFTH STARTER
Fans: Again, real simple: Some are spoiled by the success of Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes in the bullpen to the point that there is little confidence in either man as a starter.

Smoov: Joba and Phil have both shown what they can do in the starting rotation. Both are better than any other option out on the market right now. People, have patience with these two -- Joba will have learned from his mistakes and Phil needs to have a Joba-type season. Let them battle it out for the spot, and deal with the decision.

BENCH
Fans: There's a lack of firepower/versatility with Eric Hinske and Jerry Hairston Jr. signing elsewhere.

Smoov: Two things: first, the Yankees rarely use their bench during the game. It really doesn't matter who's on the bench now because it'll likely change during the course of the season. Second, this isn't the NBA where the sixth man has just as much impact as the starting five. IT'S THE BENCH OF AN AMERICAN LEAGUE TEAM. Stop worrying.


Bottom line: these aren't major concerns to be worried about heading into Spring Training. We may not like every move that Ca$hMoney makes, but we as fans have got to look on the bright side and trust in our staff that the team put on the field will defend its championship.

If Cashman and Girardi aren't worried, why should you be?